Plus Size Male Models Are Coming: Finally!

Amy Bebbington

June 3, 2016

1012 Views

Plus size male models are rarely discussed when we talk about plus size modelling, and when it comes to the conversation about modelling as a whole, they rarely get a look in! However, all that may well be about to change!

Is There A Plus Size Male Models Agency?

In March of this year, Zach Miko became the first of hopefully many plus size male models to join a top international modelling agency. Joining the ranks of Gigi Hadid and Lara Stone, he is now represented by IMG. This isn’t part of a plus size division, it’s simply just that he’s been added to their books.

Earlier in May 2016, London agency Bridge added a plus size section. They signed Ben Whit, who is a Personal Trainer and gardener.

Germany leads the way with plus size male models – it already has three agencies dedicated solely to this classification of men!

Who Are The Plus Size Male Models?

Plus size male models themselves are keen to point out that there’s no “one size fits all” approach to this category, however, the plus size male models who’ve already been signed tend to have a few things in common! They tend to be taller, and setting the standard as “brawny”. They’re broad, and tend to be larger not because of a few extra pounds, but instead because they’re actually incredibly muscular.

A lot of men who work out a lot are medically classed as ‘obese’ because of the BMI scale. This simply isn’t true and is one of the flaws of the system. The muscle weight of rugby players, for example, puts them as obese, and doesn’t take into account the fact that they’re healthy and that exercise actually made them that way! Charlotte Griffiths, of Bridge agency where Ben Whit is signed, said that the fact Ben is bigger because he’s muscular fits their overall ethos of promoting good health. They see his active lifestyle and job choices outside of the modelling world as a bonus. He’s also 6’1, which helps in this respect.

Is This As Progressive As It Seems?

Having plus size male models is a step in the right direction, as is any move to diversify. However, this move arguably will not help men with body image issues, because it simply shifts the focus from one desired look to another. Not everyone is larger because their muscles bring their BMI and size up; some people are simply carrying more body fat, which isn’t being represented.

Do you think the modelling world has an obligation to include all shapes and sizes? Let us know in the comments!

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